Los Angeles Galaxy vs. AC St. Louis

Chris Klein came through for the Galaxy in a second half goal to lead LA past their US Open Cup third round opponent on Tuesday night at the Home Depot Center. In a game that was dominated by the Galaxy pressing forward and applying pressure, it was only a matter of time before the MLS squad was able to find a crack in the armor. Klein’s strike came in the sixty-ninth minute and looked to have taken a deflection before settling into the back of the net and past the well positioned St. Louis keeper.

The Galaxy starting lineup had quite a few of the regular starters but kept some key positional players on the bench for this match. Gordon and Bowen started as the strikers for LA with, perhaps the oldest midfield in MLS, Lewis, Mathis, Kirovski and Klein. But the midfield did a masterful job of working back for the ball and being patient with the passes. Sometimes it felt like LA was being too cautious with its attack, but the better fitness and the experience eventually led to the breakthrough.

The back line consisted of Alex, Leonardo (returning to game play after his injury recovery) De La Garza, and Jordan. And in goal, perhaps the best backup keeper in MLS (trade rumors will surface soon… you can bet), Josh Saunders. Saunders has really gained confidence and footwork while constantly being pitted against the veteran Jamaican keeper in training. Its good to see him get some game time, and it will only help to secure him a spot elsewhere in MLS.

The overall flow of this game for the first 45 minutes had the 1500 or so fans at the game frustrated. Although the Galaxy were keeping AC St. Louis pinned in their own half, they were unable to find the final touch inside the box. St. Louis was more than happy to continue to organize in the back in hopes of a counter attack. The speedy defense of AJ and Bryan Jordan kept that from happening. Bryan would routinely start a run from behind the St. Louis striker only to end up beating him to the ball by two or three yards.

But with the AC defense pushed back against the wall the patient Galaxy offense finally found a gap on the right side where Chris Klein was able to beat the positioned keeper with a beautiful curving shot.

Then it was our young Brazilian midfielders chance as he came on shortly after the first goal for Clint Mathis. In the 80′ Juninho gathered a ball out wide in the box and calmly hit a strike over the keeper and into the net. His first goal as a member of the LA Galaxy. But the best part was the Samba Celebration afterward. There are high hopes for Juninho and I think the Galaxy would be wise to secure him on a full time basis.

With the Galaxy Up 2 goals St. Louis was pretty much resigned to their fate. They played kickball for the last ten minutes in desperate attempts to clear their defensive zone and try to send one of their strikers forward. But in the end the fitness and the quality pulled through.

Now the Galaxy await the winners of a June 3oth match between the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders. If Portland win the Galaxy would host them. If Seattle wins the Galaxy would have to travel to Qwest field for the match. The US Open Cup Bracket can be seen here.

Galaxy to face off against Seattle on July 4th

For all of us fans out there we know how much we love to beat Seattle. A win on our home field this weekend would give the Galaxy a sweep over our new rivals for the 2010 season. Seattle is coming off a loss to Philadelphia in an emotional game played very well by the Union. The Celebration of the opening of PPL Park is something to take notice of. The Union now truly have a homefield advantage and they used it for the first time to cap a resurgent Sounders team that is looking to move up the table. The heat and humidity didn’t help. The good news is the Sounders still have to play a midweek US Open Cup Match against Portland tonight (6.30.2010). This will mean no advantage for them in coming in more rested than the Galaxy.

So how should we welcome them to LA? How about bring back our World Cup heroes – Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle. The rumors on the street are that both player are looking to play with their club again on Sunday. This is great news as the Galaxy could always use some more offense. It will be interesting to see if either get a start, or come in off the bench for the Galaxy.

Welcome home Landon and Edson. We’re so proud of both of you!

Landon on the Early Show

Landon Donovan did an interview on the CBS Early Show. Click HERE for the video.

And below is our Galaxy Captain on the Late Show with David Letterman. It sound like Landon will also be ringing in the closing bell of the NYSE today as well. He’s a busy guy. Can’t wait to welcome him back on Sunday night!

Regis & Kelly

The Daily Show

Bruce is named All Star Coach

Its no surprise to the Galaxy faithful, but our coach, Bruce Arena, has been named the coach for the All Star team who will face off against Manchester United in Houston on 7-28-2010. The game will be available on ESPN2. Go get em Bruce.